In the midst of a standoff between Butler and the organization over a new contract, the Patriots signed cornerback Stephon Gilmore to a staggering five-year, $65 million contract that added fuel to the speculation fire that Butler would play elsewhere if a new deal could not be reached.

The New England Patriots took care of their two most recent Super Bowl heroes on Tuesday.

As of yesterday, Malcolm Butler is back under contract with the Patriots. With Butler's recent impressive performances, he is due to a significant salary increase, which the Patriots can no longer afford.

The former West Alabama standout has delayed signing the tender, as he is trusting that another National Football League club could send him an offer sheet that the Patriots will have to match.

The Patriots now hold no first or second-round selections in the upcoming draft, but the Saints have shown interest in Butler, brining him in for a visit earlier in free agency. However, with the deadline approaching this Friday, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound defender ultimately made a decision to accept the tender.

"It's ongoing, if you will", Payton said at the time, pointing out that the Saints and Patriots couldn't have trade talks about Butler unless he was under contract. In fact, I know we're not going to do that. "I think it was a good step".

With a potential trade involving Butler, the Patriots may seek to pick up some early-round draft picks in addition to any players involved in such a move. True enough, it looks like the Saints' plans are slowly unfolding.

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